The firm is responsible for producing 700,000 tonnes of new plastic a year.
But Unilever plans to slash that figure over the next five years by using more recycled plastic and finding other alternative materials.
In an interview with the BBC, CEO Alan Jope said Unilever was trying to remain relevant to younger consumers who worry about plastic use.
However he said that plastic is a 'terrific material'.
And he maintains that many of the alternatives are worse, saying: "A hysterical move to glass may be trendy but it would have a dreadful impact on the carbon footprint of packaging."
He said millennials - normally thought of as those born between 1980 and 1995 - and Generation Z, which is more poorly defined but generally considered to be those born between the mid-1990s and 2010, cared about "purpose and sustainability".
They also worry about 'the conduct of the companies and the brands that they're buying'.
"This is part of responding to society but also remaining relevant for years to come in the market."
He said there was 'no paradox' between sustainable business and better financial performance.
"We profoundly believe that sustainability leads to a better financial top and bottom line."